Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United's defender, has refused to retract his criticism of the English club's management following the defeat to Atletico Madrid, emphasizing that his comments stemmed from a strong desire to see the team return to competing for major titles. The Argentine player admitted that anger overwhelmed him after the match, where he called for more investment in the squad, but he insisted on not apologizing for the substance of his words.
Martinez wrote on his Instagram account on Wednesday: "I spoke after the match feeling angry and frustrated because we didn't achieve the result we all hoped for." He added: "Anyone who knows me understands the level of passion and commitment with which I approach football, and my constant desire to win." He continued: "My words express what I feel, and how much I want to see this club compete for the biggest titles."
For his part, Martinez stressed that the players bear full responsibility for the decline in results, stating: "I realize that the responsibility lies first and foremost with the players, and I place myself at the forefront of those who bear it." He pointed out that "we must demand more from ourselves and work together to restore Manchester United to the status it deserves," expressing confidence in his teammates and coach.
The defeat extended Manchester United's winless run to five consecutive matches across various competitions, increasing pressure on manager Michael Carrick. The club has not issued any official comment regarding Martinez's statements, while networks ESPN and Sky Sports reported that sporting director Jason Wilcox still retains the confidence and support of the management.
Refusal to Back Down
Martinez stood firm on his critical stance, clarifying that his criticism came from a place of passion for the club and its prestigious history, not with the aim of causing offense. He affirmed that failing to achieve the expected results was painful for him, especially when representing a club of such size, which drove him to express his opinion frankly.
Players' Responsibility
The Argentine player focused on the team's role in the decline in performance, accepting his and his teammates' share of the responsibility. He called for teamwork and perseverance to achieve ambitions, relying on the spirit of commitment to restore the club to its prestigious position in European competitions.
Pressure on Management
Martinez's comments come amid growing pressure on the club's management following a series of consecutive defeats, despite sports reports confirming the management's continued confidence in sporting director Jason Wilcox, reflecting the current tension within the English squad.
Source: Arriyadiyah newspaper
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